Hi,
I am new to this stuff and am trying to build an fpv hexa-copter that would be able to follow a person. I am using the ArduCopter ATmega 2560 controller http://www.udrones.com/product_p/expck2.htm.

Is there a way to accomplish the above i.e. automatically follow a person with the above setup. If not, then what are the alternatives.

Thank you in advance.

It is my understanding that there is an option in Mission Planner (Or maybe HK Ground station) to have the copter follow the ground station if you have a gps connected to the ground station (laptop). I imagine that you could use a wireless link (XBee?) to transfer the GPS info from one location (a person) to the laptop and have it follow that way.

I did find out that there is an option in mission planner to do this.
Here is the link http://code.google.com/p/arducopter/wiki/AC2_FollowMe

But I see on the left hand side that it says ArduCopter2. Now my question is that would it work with the ArduCopter board that I have ordered. Here is the link http://www.udrones.com/product_p/expck2.htm

I am very new to this stuff, so sorry for any stupid questions.

Yes, the APM1.4 (what you bought) should be capable of that. This function is not well tested though. I've never seen anybody do it yet. The reference to AC2 is the code, not the board.


You will need an Xbee or 3DR telemetry radio to make it work, however.

You should join us over at the DIYDrones forum.

They plan on releasing a small device like the MK within 2013. At the moment it's only done by using a device that can run the APM planner ( Mission Planner) a telemetry module and a Dongle GPS. However most of these gps dongles refresh every 5 which might cause delays depending on the function you plan using the function.